Top Gaming Monitors 2023: Boost Your Gaming Setup!

When it comes to gaming, having the right monitor can make all the difference in your experience. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming for consumers to choose the best one that will provide value and meet their specific needs. There are several factors to consider when selecting a gaming monitor, including but not limited to:

Our team at GameRant has curated a list of our top monitor picks for 2023, taking into consideration important features such as screen size, display technology, color accuracy, refresh rates, input lag, compatibility with VRR tech (GSync and FreeSync), relevant ports (HDMI 2.1, USB-C, DisplayPort), HDR performance, console compatibility, and OSD/customizability options.

LG 27" Ultragear™ OLED (27GR95QE-B) is a top-tier OLED gaming monitor that offers exceptional visual quality and performance. With a 27-inch display, it delivers a stunning 4K resolution and supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. It comes equipped with G-Sync and FreeSync technology for smooth gameplay, and its response time of 1ms ensures that you won't experience any lag or ghosting. The monitor also features a sleek design and comes with various gaming-related features, including crosshair customization and black stabilizer. At $1000 on Amazon, this monitor is a great investment for gamers who prioritize image quality and performance.

The GIGABYTE M32U 32' is a budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor that boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync support, and a plethora of connectivity options, including a USB-C display. Its SuperSpeed IPS LCD technology delivers excellent viewing angles and vibrant colors, while its 1ms MPRT response time ensures seamless gameplay. At 22.8 lb, it's not the lightest monitor out there, but it's VESA-mount compatible for easy installation. While it lacks local dimming zones for optimal HDR performance, it remains an excellent value for money, especially compared to most HDMI 2.1 4K 120Hz TVs and 144Hz monitors on the market.

The GIGABYTE M32U 32 144Hz 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor offers solid features, including a 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and decent color and viewing angles. It also offers a range of display options for use with both PCs and consoles, as well as basic built-in speakers. The inclusion of FreeSync Premium Pro and 1ms response times make it a great value for gamers, although it falls short in terms of HDR and HDMI capabilities, preventing it from being the ideal choice for gamers in 2023.

The arm edition of the SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G9 G95NA gaming monitor is perfect for those who want to create a multi-monitor setup without spending extra time and money on buying and setting up a monitor arm. This version essentially includes the M32U with a pre-attached monitor arm, making it a convenient and efficient choice for gamers.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G96NA is the ultimate gaming monitor, boasting a massive 49-inch curved Mini LED display panel with 4K resolution. With a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz and a 1-millisecond response time, it delivers smooth gameplay even at lower frame rates, supporting both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro for AMD and Nvidia GPUs. Its unique aspect ratio is wider than ultrawide 32:9, offering screen real estate that is equivalent to two regular monitors side-by-side. While it may be one of the best-looking monitors on the market, it comes at a steep price point compared to its competitors, and some early adopters have reported quality control issues. It is available for purchase at Amazon for $1650, Best Buy for $1900, and Newegg for $1900.

The SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G9 G95NA Gaming Monitor is a well-known name in the monitor industry, especially among enthusiasts. The Neo was designed to impress with its top-of-the-line technology, and it continues to hold its own against its competitors, even two years after its release. With a 1ms response time, a large screen size, and an impressive 240Hz refresh rate, the G9 Neo is an excellent choice for gamers. Additionally, its Mini-LED display technology allows for a brightness level of 2000 Nits, making for an exceptional viewing experience.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 stands unrivaled in the realm of ultrawide monitors, with no direct competition in sight. Despite its aspect ratio pushing beyond the norm, it reigns supreme until the arrival of its OLED counterpart. Meanwhile, for those seeking an affordable option for eSports play, the MSI MAG2732, a 27" gaming monitor, is the best budget gaming monitor available.

The MSI Optix MAG2732 gaming monitor is a budget-friendly option that ticks all the boxes for gamers in 2023. Boasting 1ms response times, 165Hz refresh rates, and an IPS panel, this monitor also comes equipped with all the necessary ports for easy connectivity to your PC or console. Additionally, its small bezels and no-frills design give it a premium look, while the lack of a basic speaker and underwhelming HDR may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, at a price of $200-$220, this monitor is a great value for its IPS panel and impressive specs.

The MSI Mag Optix MAG2732 is a great option for gamers on a budget who are looking for a monitor that offers high refresh rates and low response time. At 27 inches and Full HD resolution, this monitor is perfect for esports-centric multiplayer gaming. It goes beyond the industry standard of 144Hz with a refresh rate of 165Hz. The MAG2732 offers both dual HDMI ports and a single DisplayPort port, making it versatile for both PC and console gamers.

One downside to note is the lack of built-in speakers, which may be a concern for those who are accustomed to having audio as part of their monitor. Additionally, PC gamers and creators may notice the lower pixel density, which limits the appeal of this monitor for tasks other than gaming. However, this is a common issue with smaller monitors that lack dimming zones, which are crucial for a good HDR experience. Despite this, the MSI Mag Optix MAG2732 is an excellent gaming monitor with great features for the price.

The MSI Optix MAG2732 boasts built-in anti-flicker technology and is a fantastic all-around FHD gaming monitor. However, if you're looking for a higher resolution, its pricier counterpart offers an identical tech stack but with a QHD panel, addressing one of our concerns about its low pixel density.

The LG 27' Ultragear OLED 27GR95QE-B is a top-of-the-line OLED monitor that caters to avid gamers with its impressive 240Hz refresh rate and incredibly low 0.03ms response time on a QHD OLED panel. Its exceptional color accuracy and HDR support make it a solid choice for those seeking a premium display option in 2023. Additionally, the monitor boasts a sleek design with narrow bezels and RGB lighting, along with an anti-glare coating that is essential for an OLED screen used as a monitor. However, the monitor's high price tag compared to LCD-based alternatives and potential rendering issues with text may be a drawback for some.

The LG 27" Ultragear™ OLED Monitor (27GR95QE-B) sets the bar high for what an OLED monitor should look and perform like, and even raises the standard for LED/LCD monitors. While the price tag may be steep compared to its competitors, it's important to note that all OLED monitors start at around $1000. The 27" Ultragear displayed at CES is no exception, priced at exactly that amount.

Despite the cost, the LG 27GR95QE-B offers a plethora of features that make up for it. The monitor boasts a premium look and feel, and is equipped with the latest technology available. The OLED panel provides incredibly low latency at 0.03ms and 240Hz refresh rates on a 2K resolution, making it a top-of-the-line option for users who value performance over price.

Samsung's 34-Inch Odyssey G85SB QD-OLED Monitor is an impressive addition to the market, offering a range of new features that compete with LG's popular OLED panels. While it may come with a higher price tag, it's a tempting choice for serious gamers. With Samsung's Tizen OS and smart compatibility with Alexa, this monitor is packed with TV-like features. Additionally, it supports both GSync and AMD's FreeSync Premium Pro, making it a well-rounded and powerful ultrawide QD-OLED that outperforms its competitors in bright scenes.

Samsung's G85SB QD-OLED Monitor sets the bar high for what to expect from the upcoming influx of QD-OLED displays. This 34-inch monitor boasts exceptional peak brightness and HDR support, as well as the best response time currently available in a monitor. Although it comes with a premium price tag, the G85SB offers an impressive viewing experience, complete with built-in smart TV features and functionality. However, with a refresh rate limited to 175Hz, it falls short compared to some of its higher refresh rate competitors like LG.

At $1500, the Samsung QD-OLED monitor's smart TV features, powered by the integrated Tizen OS, may not be enough to justify its value proposition. This is especially true when considering the Alienware AW3423DW monitor, which shares the same display technology from Samsung, albeit with lower performance. At a lower price point, it may be difficult to justify the additional expense for what is otherwise a fantastic monitor to begin 2023's QD-OLED monitor offerings.

Asus Rog Swift PG259QNR FHD 360Hz Monitor The Best High Refresh Rate MonitoreSports goes ROG

The Asus ROG Swift PG259QNR FHD 360Hz Monitor is a top recommendation for eSports gamers, boasting an IPS panel that can handle 360Hz at Full HD resolutions with a 1ms GTG response time. Its focus on competitive multiplayer titles makes it an excellent choice for gamers looking for high-quality performance. The monitor offers 10-bit color support, excellent build quality, and a slightly cheaper price point compared to other high refresh rate monitors in the market. However, it is limited to an FHD resolution and has a peak brightness of only 400 nits, making it less ideal for HDR. Additionally, there are no built-in speakers. The monitor can be purchased for $348 at Amazon or $449 at Newegg.

The Asus ROG Swift PG259QNR FHD 360Hz Monitor is an exceptional choice for competitive gamers and eSports professionals seeking a gaming monitor that provides a distinct advantage during multiplayer matches. Although FPS and MOBA enthusiasts will appreciate its specifications and immersive experience, those who prioritize single-player games or productivity should look elsewhere as it is primarily designed for gaming purposes.

However, the PG259QNR is not without its drawbacks. Its price point may be considered steep for a 25' monitor, and its Full HD resolution may be a trade-off for better refresh rates that may not suit productivity tasks. Additionally, its HDR experience may be lacking due to the absence of dimming zones, and it lacks built-in speakers, which is typical of gaming monitors. Consequently, while it excels as a gaming monitor, it may not be the best choice for productivity-based tasks.

Looking for a high-quality OLED TV monitor replacement for gaming? Look no further than the LG C2 Series 48-Inch Class OLED EVO TV. With 8 million self-lit OLED pixels, you'll enjoy stunning picture quality with infinite contrast, deep blacks, and over a billion vibrant colors - now even brighter. Plus, the exclusive α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K automatically adjusts the TV's settings to enhance picture and sound quality based on the content being watched. Filmmaker Mode preserves the director's vision for movies, while Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos** enhance the overall viewing experience. And with a significant pricing edge compared to other OLED TVs, the LG C2 Series is the perfect choice for gamers and movie lovers alike. Get it now for just $997 - that's a savings of $303!

The LG OLED EVO C2 in a 48-inch size offers excellent value, competing with some of the best commercially available monitors. It provides significantly more screen real estate than its smaller 42-inch version for only a $100 increase in cost, making it a better value option. However, some users may find the 48-inch size too large for use as a monitor.

The C2 boasts low input lag, a decent response time, and 120Hz refresh rates on a 4K resolution, making it a strong contender among OLED TV options. However, its RGBW subpixel layout can result in slightly reduced text clarity compared to competing IPS displays, particularly for desktop gamers and productivity users. Thankfully, effective workarounds do exist to mitigate this issue. Overall, the C2 48' is a reliable TV that also functions as an impressive gaming monitor, complete with a TV tuner, multiple HDMI ports, and the ability to play video content via USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet without the need for a dedicated PC.

Things You Might Want To Pair With Your New Gaming Monitor:

Enhancing your working and gaming space with additional color and audio upgrades can further elevate your setup, even beyond the impressive visual upgrade of gaming monitors. Consider investing in these upgrades to create a truly immersive and enjoyable experience.

Aesthetic Upgrades

When it comes to budgeting for a gaming PC or a gaming room, lighting is often overlooked but can greatly enhance the visual appeal. While RGB lighting options within the PC are readily available at slightly higher prices, in-room lighting can be more challenging to navigate. Fortunately, Gamerant offers a comprehensive guide that includes product reviews to help gamers choose the best lighting options for their gaming room.

Audio Upgrades

Gaming monitors often overlook the importance of quality gaming audio, leaving players to rely on separate headsets or speakers for an immersive experience. However, there are now numerous wireless headset options available for PC gamers, offering low-latency and high-fidelity audio at varying price points. This allows you to go wire-free and fully immerse yourself in your favorite games. Repurposed OLED TVs may also provide exceptional gaming audio performance, but such cases are relatively rare.

FAQ:

Q: Should I get an ultrawide monitor for my PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X?

An ultrawide monitor may seem like a viable option for console gaming, but it's important to note that console games are optimized for specific resolutions. This means that even if you connect your console to an ultrawide monitor, you'll still be limited to a 16:9 aspect ratio. As a result, the extra screen real estate provided by the ultrawide monitor may go to waste, making it a less than ideal choice.

Q: How Important is a monitor's refresh rate for gamers?

Higher refresh rates have become the industry standard for gaming monitors, with 144Hz/165Hz being the norm and even higher refresh rates such as 240Hz, 360Hz, and 500Hz available at premium prices for serious gamers. This shift towards faster refresh rates was largely driven by the growing popularity of esports and the demand for a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. For competitive gamers, investing in a monitor with a high refresh rate has become a must-have in order to gain an edge in multiplayer gaming.